Court upholds mental health grants for schools

A federal appeals court has denied the Trump administration’s request to block the release of millions in grants aimed at addressing the shortage of mental health workers in schools. These grants, established by Congress following the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, are intended to help schools hire more counselors, psychologists, and social workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson previously ruled that the administration’s attempt to cancel these grants was arbitrary and capricious. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this ruling, stating that the government failed to demonstrate a likelihood of success in its claims. The grants were initially awarded under President Joe Biden’s administration, with a focus on increasing diversity among mental health professionals in schools. Evanson’s ruling specifically benefits grantees in 16 Democratic-led states, restoring significant funding in areas like Madera and Marin counties, California.